Collective Effervescence of Fourth of July
By Evan Coulson, Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives
As the first sparks crackled and fell back toward the surface of Lake St. Isaac, a familiar sound rang out from the Grotto—“Firework” by Katy Perry. Hundreds of campers and counselors spontaneously joined in song, their voices echoing across the water back toward the crew, igniting Camp Ondessonk’s annual Independence Day fireworks show. It was what psychologist Dacher Keltner, in his book Awe, would describe as a moment of true wonder.
Keltner reminds us that awe doesn’t only come from the extraordinary; it often emerges in moments of beauty and togetherness. These experiences are especially powerful for young people growing up in what author Jonathan Haidt calls a “phone-based world.” In The Anxious Generation, Haidt outlines how rising screen time has contributed to record levels of youth loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection. A powerful antidote can be found in one of Keltner’s “8 wonders of everyday life,” what sociologist Émile Durkheim called collective effervescence.
Collective effervescence occurs when people come together in synchronized activity—singing, dancing, hiking, or sharing stories under the stars. These moments trigger what scientists call the “small self” effect: ego diminishes, and a sense of deep connection emerges. But the impact goes beyond emotion. Shared awe also brings physical changes: synced heartbeats, activation of the vagus nerve, and the release of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that promotes calm, empathy, trust, and social bonding.
These experiences build emotional buoyancy, hope, and meaning. They help youth feel part of something larger than themselves, offering a powerful contrast to the curated isolation of digital life. Singing together under a display of fireworks on the Fourth of July isn’t just a tradition at Camp Ondessonk—it’s purposeful connection and belonging. Camp becomes a rare space of social bridging, where campers from different backgrounds unite through shared presence. These awe-filled experiences build the foundation for resilience, compassion, and community.
In a screen-saturated world, Camp Ondessonk offers a return to what matters most: presence, purpose, and real human connection. By fostering collective effervescence, we give young people something their devices never could—a way back to themselves.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk Summer Camp Programs.
